What is modular or factory-built housing?

Modular or factory-built housing refers to homes that are constructed in sections (modules) in a factory setting, then transported to the building site for assembly. Unlike traditional construction where everything is built on-site, this approach allows for faster production, less waste, and often lower costs. The homes can range from simple manufactured units to luxury custom designs, all benefiting from the efficiency of assembly-line production.

How does 3D printing work in home construction?

In home construction, 3D printing involves using large robotic printers that extrude building materials (usually specialized concrete mixtures) layer by layer according to a digital design. The printer follows the floor plan to create walls and structural elements, significantly reducing labor costs and construction time. While traditional homes can take months to build, 3D-printed structures can sometimes be completed in just days or weeks, with less waste and potentially greater design flexibility.

Why is innovation in housing construction important for investors?

Innovation in housing construction represents a potential disruption of the $1.3 trillion U.S. residential construction market. With traditional building methods struggling to meet demand affordably, companies pioneering faster, cheaper construction technologies could capture significant market share. For investors, this presents an opportunity to participate in solving the housing crisis while potentially benefiting from growth in a sector that's essential to the economy but hasn't seen major technological advancement in decades.

What are sustainable building materials?

Sustainable building materials are construction products that minimize environmental impact through their production, use, and disposal. These include recycled materials like reclaimed wood or plastic composites, rapidly renewable resources like bamboo, and innovative products engineered to reduce energy consumption. Many companies in this portfolio are developing or using these materials to address both environmental concerns and the rising costs of traditional building supplies, offering a potential competitive advantage as green building requirements increase.

15 handpicked stocks

Future of Housing Portfolio

Meet the innovators transforming how we build homes. These carefully selected companies are tackling the housing crisis with groundbreaking technologies—from 3D printing to modular construction—making housing more affordable, sustainable, and accessible for everyone.

Han Tan | Market Analyst

Updated 2 days ago | Published at juin 17